title: Modulation of multiple sclerosis by sunlight exposure: role of cis-urocanic acid.
abstract: The role of cis-urocanic acid (UCA) as a UV-mediated immunomodulator in MS patients was investigated. Plasma levels of cis-UCA were significantly lower in MS patients compared to controls. Stimulation of MBP- and MOG-specific T cells in the presence of cis-UCA, significantly increased IL-10, and inhibited IFN-γ production. PBMCs cultured in the presence of cis-UCA increased CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) regulatory T cell percentages. Dendritic cells cultured in the presence of cis-UCA significantly reduced Ag presentation capacity. Finally, cis-UCA activated the 5-HT2A receptor, inducing the increase in phosphorylated forms of ERK 1/2 and JNK2. Thus, in addition to vitamin D, cis-UCA also appears to be an additional UV-mediated immunomodulator.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Institute for Neurological Research Dr. Raúl Carrea, FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina. jcorreale@fleni.org.ar
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Correale
authors.forename: Mauricio F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Farez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D013472:Sunlight; D014560:Urocanic Acid / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D014560:Urocanic Acid
keywords: Cytokines; Environmental factors; Multiple sclerosis; Ultraviolet radiation; Urocanic acid